Washing machine



April 13, 1937. I

R. DORT WASHING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 21, 1953 FIG.

ATTORNEY.

April 13, 1937.

R. 1.. DORT WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1933 a Sheets-She et 2 FIG. 3

INVENTOR'.

ATTORNEY.

April 13,1937. R DQRT I WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1933 {Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENTOR.

- ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 13, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE The present invention relates to the art of washing machines, this machine being particularly designed for the washingof dishes, although, as will be readily understood, it is not 5- necessarily limited to that use. Among theobjects of this invention are to provide a machine which will give to the washing fluid a maximum amount of agitation; to provide a machine in which the washing fluid will, during the operation of the machine, be driven with considerable force in all directions toward the articles being washed; to provide a machine of the characterindicated which will be very efiicient and thorough in its operation; andsuch further ob- 15 jects, advantages and capabilities as will hereafter appear and as are inherent in the construction disclosed herein. My invention further resides in the combination, constructionand arrangement of parts illustrated in the accom- 20 panying drawings and, while I have shown therein what is now considered the preferred emb- .liment of this invention, I desire the same to be understood as illustrative only and not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Y

5- In the drawings annexed hereto and forming apart hereof,

Fig. l is an elevation of a machine embodying my invention, a part thereof being broken away to show the internal arrangement;

30 Fig. 2 is a plan view of the agitator and a part of the bottom of the tub of a machine embodying my present invention;

Fig. 3 is a vertical substantially central section through the bottom of the tub and the .35 agitating mechanism;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through the agitating mechanism substantially along the plane indicated by the line 4-4, Fig. 3; V

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section similar to Fig. 4

40 but taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line 5-5, Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a transverse section taken through one of the fluid scoops of the agitator;

Fig. '7 is an elevation, partly in section, of an 45 agitator to replace that shown in Figs. 2 and 3 when itis desired to use the machine forwashing fabrics.

Reference will now be made in greater detail to the annexed drawings for a more complete 5 description of this invention. The body I of the machine has a supporting base 2, preferably provided with suitable. casters. The bottom 3 of the body or tub I has an approximately centrally located aperture around which the bottom of the tub is offset downwardly somewhat,

as indicated'at 4. A motor casing 5 contains a motor which has a shaft 6 extending upwardly through the end of the motor casing, this end being suitably secured to the bottom of the tub. A ring I has an outwardly extending flange 8 which cooperates with the corresponding flange 9 projecting from the end of the motor casing 5. Between the flanges 8 and 9 is a gasket ill which is folded over the edge of the tub bottom and, when compressed betweenthe flanges, serves to prevent leakage from the tub around the motor casing. A plurality of securing means, shown in the present drawings as bolts Ii, fasten the fianges'8 and 9 together and compress the gasket HI.

The end of the motor casing has a sleeve H which serves as a bearing for the motor shaft 6 and as a support for the agitator. Surrounding the upper end of the shaft 6 and resting on the sleeve I2 is a power transmission unit It which is connectible to and disconnectible from a ring l4, bearing vanes I5, by means of roller clutch elements Hi. The purpose of this pump will be set forth more fully hereinafter.

The openings Ill and I8 are utilized in securing dynamic balance of the rotating heads so as to eliminate or'reduce to a minimum the whipping action which might otherwise be present. A plurality of cylindrical clutch elements H! are interposed between the outer face of element l3 and the inner face of the downward projection of the head 2| which carries the shaft 22 upon which is mounted the arm 23 carrying the agitator scoops 24. The shape of these scoops is shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 6. A sleeve 25 forms a part of member I3 and serves as an axis about which the body member 2| may rotate,-

or rather, which may rotate within the body a member 2| when it is desired to operatethe pump and permit the agitator to remainquiet. The head 2!. is held against coming off from the sleeve 25 by means of the screw 26 which is screwed tightly into the sleeve 25. A spring catch 21 is securedto the sleeve 25, as indicated at 28, and engages a notch 29min the shaft t so as to cause transmission of rotation from the shaft to the sleeve and from this to member l3, and also to prevent the assembly from accidental removal from the shaft. The shaft is flattened at 29 to accommodate the spring 21 and fasten ing means 28.-

Connected with the opening 30 (see Fig.- 3) is a pipe 3| which rises along the side of the tub' and is provided at its upper end-with a horizontal arm 32, carrying at its free end a head 33 which may be turned about the end of the pipe 32. A switch 34 controls the supply of current to the motor in the casing 5, the wires leading from the switch through the pipe 35 to the motor. 'When the switchis actuated from neutral position, or off position, in one direction, the motor will be actuated in one direction, whereas, if the switch is actuated in the opposite direction, the motor will be reversed. If the head 2| rotates in the direction indicated by. the arrow in Fig. 2, it is due to the connection of this head to the body l3 and shaft 6 by means of the rollers 9. On the other hand, if shaft 6 is rotated in the opposite direction, the rollers l9 will not cause clutching of member I3 and projection" of body 2|. However, when shaft 6 rotates in the opposite direction from that indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2, sleeve. and member I3 are'also rotated in such opposite direction and the clutch elements l6 then engage the ring l4 and cause rotation thereof, correspondingly. As indicated heretofore, ro-

tation of this ring causes the vanes IE to be carried about and they force the water out of opening 30, through pipe 3| and head 33. The pipe 3| and head 33 are shown in Fig. 1 in position to receive water and carry same into the interior of the tub I. If it is desired to empty the tub, the head 33 is preferably turned to face downwardly and the arm 32 is swung around so as to bring the head 33 over the opening to which the water is to be delivered. Now, when the pump is actuated, the water will be forced thereby through the pipes 3| and 32 and out of the head. An opening 36 leads through the ring 1 and into the chamber above the motor casing head, with which chamber the opening connects. This permits the flow of water from the tub into the pump chamber when the pump is being actuated. One of the important objects to be attained in having the agitator disconnected from the drive shaft when the pump is operating is to avoid throwing the grease and dirt, accumulated on top of the water, over the dishes. It will be understood that the reversing switch may be dispensed with, a non-reversing motor used and one or both of the clutches replaced by manually actuated clutches.

When shaft 6 rotates the head2| in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig.2, the spindle 22 is carried about the shaft as an axis and carries the arm 23 with it. This arm carries the scoops 24 and their lower ends dip into the water in the tub and cause same to be thrown'violently upward, first by one pair of scoops and then by the pair on the opposite side of the arm 23. The spindle 22 is free to rotate in its bearing in the head 2| and the arm 23 may therefore shift its angular position with relation to a fixed line in the tub. Thus, the direction in which the water is thrown by the scoops 24 will vary with the changes in direction of the arm 23. From this it follows that the dishes will be thoroughly washed on both sides. On account of the violence with which the water is agitated, it is necessary to have a cover 31 to close the opening in the top of the tub. This is secured in place by any suitable fastening means 38. Within the tub and above the agitator are suitable racks for the holding of the dishes during the washing thereof.. These racks are designed to be removed ,when desired, as, for examplawhen it is desired to wipe out the inside of the tub. It will be apparent that the entire agitator head-may be removed by taking hold of the arm 23 and lifting directly upwardly. This causes removal of everything above the motor casing head and within the ring I, with the exception of the shaft 6. If it is desired to separate the parts l3 and 2|, it [is necessary to remove the bolt 26.

The upwardly projecting portion of ring 1, indicated by numeral 1a, closely surrounds the head 2| but fits loosely enough to permit free rotation thereof. Rotation of the head will cause the water between head 2| and part 1a to be thrown out and will prevent accumulation of other water therein while the head is rotating. This prevents lateral pressure against the headand also increase of the power consumption due to the friction of water.

When the structure shown inFig. 7 for the washing of fabrics is substituted for that shown at 22, 23 and 24, the body 40 acts as a scoop to throw the water upwardly while the vane 4| gives part of it a lateralcompo'nent of motion so that there is a thorough agitation of the water and the fabrics. 1

It will of course be understood that the specific description of structure set forth above may be departed from without departing from the spirit of this invention as set forth in this specification and the appended claims.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

1. In a machine tub having an opening in the bottom thereof, a reversible motor having a casing closing the opening in the'bottom of the tub, the shaft of themotor passing through the end of the casing and into the tub, a supporting and actuating member mounted on the shaft within the tub, a rotary pump element mounted on the last mentioned element and rotated thereby when the shaft rotates in one direction but released from driving connection therewith when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction.

2. A machine for the purpose indicated comprising a tub having an aperture in the bottom thereof for the reception of driving mechanism for an agitator, a motor having a casing closed at one end with the exception of anopening for a motor shaft, the closed end of the motor casing serving as a closure for the opening in the tub bottom, a power transmitting means mounted upon and secured to the shaft to rotate thereof the character indicated, a l

with, a body mounted upon and surrounding said last mentioned element and connected thereto in driving relation, to be driventhereby, when the shaft rotates in one direction, but being free from such connection when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction, and an agitator carried by said" body and rotated around said shaft as a center when the body rotates with the shaft.

3. A structure of the character indicated comprising a tub having an opening in the bottom thereof, a motor having a casing one end of which serves as a closure for the opening in the bottom of the tub, the Shaft of through said end of the casing and into the interior of the tub, a supporting and power transmission means connected to the shaft in driving relation and extending into proximity to the end of the motor casing, a rotary pump element mounted upon said power transmission means and capable of rotation independently thereof, clutching means for connecting the pump .element and the power transmission means in driving relation and capable of disconnecting the two so as to permit the power transmission means to rotate independently of the pump element, a head mounted on and supported by said power trans- ,the motor extending ent rotation, and clutching means for connecting the two in driving relation, said head carrying an agitator for agitating water contained in said tub.

4. A structureas defined by claim 3 in which the agitator is eccentrically carried by the head. V

5. In a washing machine, a tub having an opening in the bottom thereof, an electric motor casing having one end secured directly to the tub bottom and'forming a closure for said opening, said end of the motor casing having an opening therethrough leadingto the exterior of the tub,

a pipe leading from said opening, said pipe be-' ing adapted to have water discharged therethrough from the bottom of the tub or to receive water and convey it to the tub, a motor shaft extending through the end of the motor casing and into the interior of the tub, a pump element connected in driving relation to said shaft whereby the water may be drawn from the tub and forced through the opening and pipe to be discharged, and an agitator mounted eccentrically with relation to the'shaft to .be carried around the shaft.

6. A washing machine comprising a tub havi an opening in the bottom thereof, a motor casing serving to enclose a driving motor and to form a closure for the opening in the bottom of the tub,

a ring cooperating with the motor casing. in securing the latter to the tub bottom, said ring extending upwardly from the tub bottom and having an opening therein at the level of the tub bottom for permitting water to pass through the ring into contact with the motor casing, an agitator within the tub, and connecting means for connecting the agitator with the motor shaft in driving relation, said connecting means including clutching elements capable of connecting the agitator and the motor shaft in driving relation or, upon reversal of rotation of the motor shaft, of disconnecting the driving connection between the agitator and said shaft. 1

' 7. In a machine of the nature indicated, a tub, a motor having a shaft extending into the tub, a supporting and actuating member mounted on the shaft within the tub and rotatable therewith,

an agitator eccentrically carried by said member and having a plurality of arms extending away from its point of connection with said member, and means between the shaft and member for disconnecting the driving connection between the agitator and the shaft at will.

8. A structure of the character indicated comprising a tub having an opening in the bottom thereof, a motor having a casing one endof which serves as a closure for the opening in the bottom -of the tub, the shaft of the motor extendin through said end of the casing and into the interior of the tub, a supporting and power transmission means connected to the shaft in driving relation and extending into proximity to the end of the motor casing, a rotary pump element' mounted upon said power transmission means and capable of rotation independently thereof, clutching means for connecting the pump element and the power transmission means in driving relation when the motor'shaft is rotated in one direction and capable of disconnecting the two so as to permit the power transmission means to rotate independently of the pump element when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, a head mounted on and supported by said power transmission means, the two being capable of independent rotation, and clutching means-for connecting the two in driving relation when the motor shaft is rotated inone direction, said head ing in the bottom thereof, a motor casing serving to support a driving motor and to form a closure for the opening in the bottom of the tub, a shaft extending through the casing and into the tub, an agitator rotatable on a vertical axis and a head connected to the shaft and rotatable therewith in close proximity to the bottom of the tub and forming a bearing for the agitator, said agitator being capable of independent rotation and adapted to project washing fluid.

10. A structure of the character indicated, comprising a tub having an opening in the bottom, a' casing serving to enclose a driving motor and to close said opening in the bottom of the tub, a

vertical shaft extending from the motor through said casing into the tub, a power transmission means connected to the shaft in driving relation,

a pump element operatively connected to said power transmission means, a head mounted on said power transmission means, the two being capable of independent rotation, and clutching means for connecting the two in driving relation,

said head carrying 'an agitator for agitating the water contained in said tub. 11. A washing machine comprising a tub having an aperture in the bottom thereof for the. reception of driving mechanism for an agitator, a shaft passing through the opening in the tub bottom, a body connected to the shaft in driving relation, to be driven thereby, when the shaft r0- tates, said body having an eccentrically located bearing, and an agitator carried by said body and rotated around said shaft as an axis when the body rotates with the shaft, said agitator ing means, said agitator comprising a bodyconvex on its upper surface, and having an upwardly extending vane upon its upper surface.

13. In a washing machine, a tub, a pump and an agitator located in the bottom of the tub, and a vertically mounted drive shaft to be operatively connected to or disconnected from the agitator and pump, the'pump being connectible to the drive shaft independently of the agitator.

14. In a washing machine, a tub having an opening in the bottom thereof, a motor external to the tub and having a casing whose external surface serves as a closure for the opening in the tub, the motor having a shaft extending through the casing and into the tub, a head connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, and a single agitator mounted on said head eccentrically to the shaft and carried thereby about saidshaft, said agitator being rotatable over the head.

15. In a structure of the character indicated, a washing tub, a power shaft extending through the bottom thereof, powerrtransmission means surrounding said shaft and connected thereto in driving relation, a head operatively connected to the power transmission means and removable therewith from the shaft, a pumpremovable with the power transmission means, and an agitator connected to the head and removable therewith.

16.. In a washing machine, a tub, a rotating shaft extending vertically into the bottom part of the tub, an agitator capable of free rotation about a" vertical axis located centrally with respect to the agitator, the agitator having its ends upon opposite sides ofthe shaft and spaced at varying distances therefrom as the agitator axis is carried about the shaft, the agitator being RUSSEIL L. DORT. 

